Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society provides grassroots leadership and an inclusive process, with a voice for all community members, to ensure that our community grows and develops in a way that incorporates an environmental ethic, offers a range of housing and transportation choices, encourages a vibrant and cultural life and supports sustainable, meaningful employment and business opportunities.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Post notes from the Council Meeting of January 10th 2011

Delegations

Caitlin Eatherington from the Community Social Planning Society gave a very interesting and informative presentation on The Living Wage Initiative. Caitlin gave a synopsis of the information available at:

http://livingwageforfamilies.ca/

The Living Wage is not the same as minimum wage. Its calculation is dependent on living costs for different locations. For example a living wage for a single parent living in Vancouver is calculated to be $18.17 but in Cranbrook it was calculated at $14.16. Part of the calculated wage may be an in kind payment such as travel costs or rent subsidy should the employer be able to provide accommodation. The initiative will encourage employers to become Living Wage Employers and help on how to do this is on the website.

New Westminster passed a resolution to establish a Living Wage Policy in April of 2010. Their information can be found at:

http://www.newwestcity.ca/2010/05/13/living_wage_policy.php


Administrative Update


No further information was added to the report which is available on the City’s website


Correspondence

Councillor Whetham volunteered to represent council on the Key City Theatre Society Volunteer Fundraising Committee.


Committee Recommendations

Council agreed to review the standard of pedestrian crossings. Some crossings including the Gordon Terrace School zebra crossing will be repainted.

New Business

Council accepted the report recommendation from Mr Pearce regarding an Off Leash Dog Park. A portion of dog licensing fees will be put towards the park as well as education on dog handling etiquette. The recommendation at this time is for the future off-leash park to be located where the original Moir Park existed. It has for many years been a source of gravel and the area will have to be reclaimed.

Although the support for project is applauded, it is unfortunate a more central location for seniors and apartment dwellers could not be located. This is not within walkable distance for many of the people and dogs who would benefit and use this kind of facility.

Council also accepted the report recommendation concerning a new recreational building proposal from Mr Hockley. It appears the proposed building would include courts for racquet sports and may include an indoor climbing wall. The location was specified as 1824 Industrial Road and would be known as Oasis Centre.

Other business included accepting several recommendations regarding deadline extensions for federal infrastructure grants.

Bylaws

Wood First Bylaw 3716 was adopted.  Wood will be the material of choice for city buildings.

An amendment to Cranbrook Public Library Establishment Bylaw 3717 was made to enable two more Library Board Directors to be appointed, one from Area C and one from the city.


Further information on A Living Wage may be obtained at these sites:

No comments:

Post a Comment